Giving to God: Matthew 22:15-22

“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his talk. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" 21 They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.”

What comes to mind when you think about giving to God? For many of us our first look is at money. Some might think of time or talents. Some may have other ideas. What is the greatest thing we can give to God?

Jesus here addresses the Pharisees with a very poignant answer to their trickery. They are attempting to catch him in some statement against the government. Then they could bring him to trial and get rid of him. Their plot: Get him to deny the responsibility of paying taxes. Then he’ll be in big trouble!

Using a coin, he inquires about the image on it. That showed the responsibility of taxation to the government. When they replied with Caesar’s name, Jesus makes this incredible statement: “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

So what should we give to God? What bears His image?

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

The most important thing to give to God is you! You are created in His image and He longs for you to know and walk with Him daily.

Have you given yourself completely to God today? If so, how? How are you experiencing Him taken charge as boss of your life?

Prayer: “Father, help me to give back to You beginning with all of me. In Jesus’ name.”